 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-12-01 05:37
I just noticed that on eBay, someone has listed an "Older clarinet in a Leblanc case". The case is LeBlanc, but the horn is one of those new, cheap plastic Albert system things from India, complete with red rubber pads. The twine around the tenons is what initially caught my eye. Somebody probably thinks they are bidding on an old Albert system LeBlanc.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2000-12-01 17:07
Thanks for the notice, Willie.
Anyone at all familiar with, interested in, old horns would not likely be fooled by what you describe. The 'LeBlanc case' (I wonder where *those* are coming in from) sounds like a blatant attempt at fraudulent advertising.
Someone (I apologize, I forgot who) pointed out recently that the guy's(?) feedback should be warning enough to anybody.
ron b
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Author: ron b
Date: 2000-12-01 18:01
Willie,
Couldn't help it. I took a look. I was overdue for a chuckle. You're absolutely correct. I can't be sure but I think one of the Indian guy's ads stated the the horns are made in... China??? someplace like that *for* the Indian army and police depts. He sells other junk 'instruments' too. But, who knows ? Maybe someone (who knows more than we do) wants it for a centerpiece or a mantle display or.... 
The seller appears NOT to be the Indian guy. At least his feedback is okay. I may be wrong but it 'looks like' someone picked up this trinket (indirectly from the Indian guy!!!) and is trying to peddle it "without knowing anything about it". A little question mark arose in the back of my mind, however, when I read that 'the case does not imply that this is a Leblanc, Paris [ ! ] horn'. Hmmm. Maybe I'm just growing more suspicious as I age... I don't buy much on eBay anymore. It used to be kinda fun and sometimes a bargain could be found. Now, you have to sift through so much, often way overpriced 'reserve' stuff and be wary all the while.
Don't get me wrong though, please. I've found a couple of legitimate dealers who know what they're about, are honest ( ! )- yes, really and others who genuinely *don't* know what they're selling. It's become sort of a pastime for me - tune in now-n-then to see what, if anything, is going on.
I see fewer bargains and more junk.
ron b
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Author: Jeff Gegner
Date: 2000-12-01 20:25
I purchased my Malerne off Ebay. Paid less that $100 bucks for it, had a repad and recork done for $150, bore oiled, action checked. I ended up with a really nice horn for less than $300. I did purchase a new case for it, the old one was fine it just smelled bad. The buyer did say except for shipping costs they would take the horn back if I was not satisfied. There are some doable deals out there.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2000-12-01 21:10
I definitely agree, Jeff. There are some sweet deals out there. Your Malerne proves that. And, some really good, sincere people too. I guess I just need to remember that there also a few 'bad apples'. Unfortunately...
My main interest is Albert system horns -- pretty easy to tell the okay ones from the junk.
Secondary interest is student/intermediate grade Boehms. Overall, I don't have any complaints. I've never given [or gotten :] neg feedback and one bomb was on my part - and, incidentally, was recoverable (as parts) in the long run. No one has tried to *deliberately* deceive me.
Yeah, there are lots of doable deals.
And a few chuckles along the way (as noted above). Fortunately....
ron b
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-12-01 21:17
In Latin "caveat emptor". These cl's, IMHO, are merely good-looking DISPLAY models, to hang on the wall of music stores, and give an impression of knowledge. To think it is an oldie and pay much is deceptive, let the red pads and/or excellent appearance be a warning, it prob. wont play at all !! Don
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Author: Jeff Gegner
Date: 2000-12-01 21:36
I agree with all the posts. If you're not having fun your probably not doing it right. If you can't have a few chuckles then life has become way to serious. As with anything anywhere, you have to beware. Purchasing across the internet makes it really easy to get stung. Ebay has done as good of job as anyone with the feed back section trying to protect good buyers from bad sellers.
Good playing and Happy Holidays to all.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-12-02 13:48
Just a general comment. It is extremely common for the cases to be of one brand and the instrument to be another brand. This is something the buyer should always check to make sure that he/she is getting what they think they are.
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Author: Lelia
Date: 2000-12-05 00:42
My suspicious mind at work again . . . . We need to make sure we take a good look and learn to recognize that junky Albert system import by more than the red pads and red tenon thread. We can't depend on those for recognition. According to a flea market dealer who buys these clarinets (and "Civil War" bugles) through a catalogue, they're Chinese, sold to American and other dealers through a wholesaler in India. How long will it take for the manufacturer to change the color of the pads and thread? All they've got to do is switch to white pads and brown thread, and they'll fool a lot of us who depend on "seeing red" to know when not to bid.
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